Your health has been so much improved while you have been at Elmwood," said Mrs. Westbury, that it would be quite wrong to return to Salisbury."

"My advice, Leslie," said Mr. Westbury, looking at Jane, who gave him a smile of approbation, "is that you go to Salisbury, just to give up your present house, and settle your affairs there; then come and reside with us, until you leave England."

"But the summer is now too far advanced for me to think of going to Italy until next year," answered Mr. Leslie.

"Very true," observed Mr. Westbury," and if you remember, Dr. Waller did not advise you to do so until next summer; but on the contrary said you had better remain in England a few months longer, as there was a probability of your recovering without having recourse to the warm air of Italy."

It would be needless to repeat the persuasions, by which Mr. Leslie was induced to consent to his cousin's arrangement; he at length yielded to their solicitations, and at the time of Emily Landor's visit to Elmwood, he was considered as one of the family. The amendment of his health had induced him to give up his intention of passing some time on the continent, and he was looking forward to the period as not far distant, when he should again be more actively employed in the service of God, as a minister of the gospel. He was much

interested by Miss Landor's letter, and he entertained the most sanguine hopes of the essential be nefit she might derive from the numerous religious privileges she would enjoy at Elmwood. He did not forget the hint Mr. Westbury had given him, respecting the instructions which she might receive from him, and he felt that it would be both a duty and a privilege to lead her enquiring mind into the right way. He anticipated with pleasure the anxiety she would manifest to learn the doctrines of the gospel, and the various gradations of doubt and of hope which she would experience, until, by the Holy Spirit of God, she was enabled 'to trust entirely to Him who is "the way, and the 'truth, and the life."

The village of Elmwood was nearly two miles from the town of H, in Kent; and consisted of the house in which Mr. Westbury resided, and a few straggling cottages. The church was a rude and ancient building, within the walls of which the precepts of a "pure and undefiled religion" had been taught for more than forty years by the present minister, Mr. Percy, whose truly christian conduct had gained for him the esteem and affection of all his parishioners, who made any profession of religion or of morality. His residence was at H, but he paid almost daily visits to the village under his care, and by his whole life and conversation he endeavoured to prove himself a

faithful pastor, and a sincere follower of " the Good Shepherd."

The day that Miss Landor was expected to arrive, Mr. Percy was at Elmwood, and he accepted! Mr. Westbury's invitation to take his tea with them, having premised that he must be excused soon after, as he had an engagement at seven o'clock. Accordingly, he left them early in the evening, accompanied by Mr. Leslie; while Mr. Westbury and Jane remained at home, as it was uncertain at what time Emily would arrive, and they were unwilling to be out when she came.

Leslie walked to the entrance of the town with Mr. Percy, and then bidding him good night, slowly returned towards home. It was in the month of April, and he had loitered so much upon the road, that when he arrived at the house, it was' already dusk; but he thought he perceived a chaise coming towards Elmwood, and he hesitated a few moments in order to be convinced that it was A very short time showed him that he was not deceived, for the vehicle rapidly approached, and just as he entered the drawing-room, he saw from the window a young lady alight from the chaise, and throw herself into the arms of Mrs. Westbury. Immediately after, the two sisters came up the garden, and Mr. Leslie heard Mrs. Westbury say, "The gentleman I have mentioned so often in my letters to you, is in the drawing

one.

room; will you be introduced to him now, or defer it a short time ?"

"Oh! now, if you please, Jane ;" replied Miss Landor, "I hate introductions, and am always glad when the ceremony is over."

She said something more, but Mr. Leslie did not hear it, as they then entered the house; and Mrs. Westbury came into the drawing-room, followed by her sister. After remaining there a few minutes, they withdrew, and Leslie did not see them again until supper.

Miss Landor was very reserved during the whole of the evening, but her face, expressive of sweetness and good temper, caused Mr. Leslie to attribute her silence to a very natural timidity, rather than to any want of frankness and affability in her disposition; and a few days' acquaintance convinced him that he was right, for when she began to feel herself at home with the inhabitants, of Elmwood, her manners considerably improved, and she was speedily considered by them all, as a delightful addition to their family circle.

When any subject connected with religion became the topic of conversation, Emily generally remained silent, betraying, however, by the attention with which she listened, the interest she took in it. Sometimes she ventured, though with much diffidence, to ask a question or two which the subject suggested, and as, at such times, Mr. and Mrs. Westbury, by their silence, seemed tacitly to refer

her to Mr. Leslie for an answer, she insensibly learned to consider him as her principal instructor; and the kindness with which he answered ques tions that she felt convinced he must think trifling, if not unnecessary, the delicacy which he showed in avoiding any appearance of surprise at her ignorance of religion,-and the mild and pleasing seriousness of his looks and conversation were calcul lated to awaken the esteem and confidence of a young and grateful heart. Leslie himself endeavoured to bring her to converse unreservedly with him, and he so far succeeded, as to gain from her a confession that she was unhappy, and that her unhappiness arose, in a great measure, from the conviction that she was exposed to the wrath of the holy and just God, whom her sins had offended; and that she knew not where to fly for re fuge, nor to whom to look for help.

"I have always thought," continued Emily, as she made this acknowledgement, unconscious that Mr. Leslie was already acquainted with her senti ments, "that all who endeavoured to keep the commandments, and constantly attended church, must be saved; but lately I have begun to fear if that is the only way, I never can lead so holy and so unblameable a life, as to deserve everlasting happiness, for I feel that if God were to enter into judgment with me for the very best of my actions, I must be condemned." D9 *!

You have spoken the experience of every true